Dimapur: Regarding the case that challenges “the notification issued by the Nagaland Government banning the commercial import and trade of dog meat and commercial sale of dog meat in markets and dining in restaurants”, the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench reserved its verdict, according to a report in Dimapur based daily The Morung Express.
It said that the final hearing started on April 18, 2023.
The report then said that the single-bench judge of Justice Marli Vankung reserved the matter for judgement.
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The report quoting the judge said, “I wouldn’t be doing justice to either of you, if I make a decision today and need to ponder further.” The report added, “The judge observed orally to the counsel of the main petitioner as well as the counsel for the People for Animals and Humane Society International/India”.
According to the report, the last hearing was done on March 20. In that hearing, the Court declined to vacate an interim order passed by the Court on November 25, 2020, staying a notification issued by the Nagaland Chief Secretary dated 04.07.2020 “banning the commercial import and trade of dog meat and commercial sale of dog meat in markets and dining in restaurants.”
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The Morung Express also reported that the Court then was hearing an interlocutory application by two animal rights organisations – the People for Animals and Humane Society International/India, before the court praying for vacating the November 25 order.
The Court order then noted that “it would be better if the entire matter is heard” and on the consensus of all parties listed the matter for hearing on April 17, adding that “endeavour shall be made to dispose of the petition.”
The case pertains to the main writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, filed in September 2020, praying for issuance of a writ in the nature of Certiorari or any other appropriate writ for enforcement of the petitioner’s fundamental right under Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and for violation of principles of natural justice, the report also said.
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The same has been breached by the July 4, 2020 order by the Chief Secretary “banning the commercial import and trading of dogs and dog markets and commercial sale of dog meat in the markets and in restaurants,” the petitioner then submitted to the court, according to the report.
Among others, the petitioners contended that the ban order was “passed in the garb of Cabinet decision, being basically an executive order and devoid of legislative backing, is illegal.”
NNN
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